Last night I went to the first night of VBS. Organized pandemonium! I still like Vacation Bible School. I know it’s been around forever. I know that it takes a lot of time and energy. This year it is a volcano theme–kind of a Polynesian style setting. All of that is connected to the love… Continue reading Finding the Freedom to Forget
Author: Jim Martin
A Great Way to Resign
I am enjoying the marriage class that I am teaching on Wednesday evening. It is hard to go wrong using Gary Thomas as our guide in his book Sacred Marriage. I have especially been encouraged by the openness and vulnerability of the class. There is something about expressing the reality of marriage as it really… Continue reading A Great Way to Resign
Encouragement
Last night I went home feeling really encouraged. Our Life Group met for a discussion and hamburgers afterward. We had eight people present and several children as well. During our discussion, I was encouraged by the openness and frankness of our discussion. That morning I concluded a series of four messages on Habakkuk. I probably… Continue reading Encouragement
When Blue Bell Isn’t Enough…
Go to most any grocery store in Texas. What brand of ice cream is typically featured? Blue Bell. What flavors! Homemade Vanilla. Key Lime Pie (had some the other day and it was great!). So many other great flavors. Nothing is better during the scorching summer months than to eat a burger just off the… Continue reading When Blue Bell Isn’t Enough…
Learning to See God’s Fingerprints
I think I am learning to see God’s fingerprints more than I used to. I saw his fingerprints clearly last evening. At Crestview, our Sunday evening Life Groups (groups of 15-20 people who meet each Sunday evening for prayer, discussion, and encouragement) came together for a time of prayer. I was encouraged by the remarks… Continue reading Learning to See God’s Fingerprints
Back to Simplicity
Today, I am feeling on edge. It is toward no one in particular. At the moment, I am feeling a little on edge about my life, my ministry, and the church. I find myself longing for simplicity. This afternoon, I was thinking about my life as it was almost thirty years ago. I was a… Continue reading Back to Simplicity
Do You Have Time For This?
Yesterday, we went to my nephew’s graduation in Dallas. I know, most graduations are not held on Sunday afternoon, but this one was. The school is the same Christian School that I went to years ago (quite a few actually). He was the Salutatorian and made a fine speech on "character." It was kind of… Continue reading Do You Have Time For This?
Making Great Memories–Today
I love the Smokey Mountains! I like to walk along the creeks that run through the Smokey’s. When we lived in northern Alabama, we went to the Smokey’s on a number of occasions. Just a few years ago, while living in Texas, we vacationed there again. One of the reasons that I like the Smokey… Continue reading Making Great Memories–Today
Marriage is Hard Work
This coming Wednesday evening, I will begin leading a class that will be based on the book Sacred Marriage. Everytime I attempt to lead a class where marriage is the focal point, I feel like I am over my head. I do enjoy being married. I enjoy being married to Charlotte. By the way, recently… Continue reading Marriage is Hard Work
Today is a Gift—Really
Do you ever start a new week and then feel behind even though it is only Tuesday? For many of us, being hurried just comes naturally. I keep a Palm Pilot that has lots of things that I plan to do or think I ought to do. I have a calendar that has on it… Continue reading Today is a Gift—Really